BalinChane

I stopped drinking six days ago and today I have this nasty tension headache. Could this be a withdrawal symptom even after almost a week being alcohol free. Haven't noticed any other symptoms. Maybe it's just a headache?

artsoul

I can't remember if I had a lot of headaches right after getting sober.... I probably did, but I've had migraines off and on my whole life, so I may not have connected them to withdrawal. I've heard a lot of people mention them, though. If you're at all concerned, of course, check it out with a doctor.

It can take weeks (and months) to heal completely. Hope you feel better soon!

sugarbear1

your brain is healing

also drink more water

PaperDolls

I still suffer from tension headaches when I'm especially stressed out.

If it doesn't get better soon, I suggest seeing a doctor. Actually, seeing a doctor now isn't a bad idea.

Congrats on your sober time!

Anna

Tension headaches are fairly common with me.

It's always good to talk to your dr if you're concerned.

hypochondriac

I think my entire second month I had really bad headaches, and now I get the odd tension headache, but I really like them in comparison to the vice crushing headaches I got when I was drinking. And I have probably said this a million times on here but tiger balm is the miracle cure for tension headaches.

escapist

I had pounding headaches for about 4 weeks. Mostly on the right side of my head. They made me so tired. They did go away. Haven't had them for a month now. Hang in there

DoubleBarrel

I have had them for months.
They get better if I drink a lot of water.
Exercise seems to help too.

BalinChane

Thanks for the advice everyone. Good to know I'm not alone with these things and that it's probably not a massive brain tumor getting ready to pop.

BTW, it feels better now. I'll keep drinking water and look for some aspirin if it comes back. (Or maybe Tiger Balm)

BalinChane

Spoke too soon, it's back. Just took a couple aspirins and a glass of eggnog (no alcohol). Now that I think about it when I quit for six months around five years ago I had headaches too, didn't associate it with withrawal, figured it was just tension at work. It passed then and will pass again, most likely.

sugarbear1

Please see a doctor to rule out things like blood pressure......

BalinChane

Just checked and it's 118/77. The eggnog must have worked, my head feels okay now.